5 players GT must retain after IPL 2024 ft. Shubman Gill
The Gujarat Titans (GT) had a difficult first campaign under Shubman Gill in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise finished their season with a couple of washouts, and a final points tally of 12 points with a woeful net run-rate of -1.028.
GT had some positives in their campaign, which included resilient wins over the likes of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, some tame losses to the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) undermined their campaign.
GT struggled for consistency after a relatively positive start to the season. Several expected a difficult season for the 2022 IPL champions, following Hardik Pandya's departure and Mohammed Shami's unavailability due to injury. Gill also had his moments as skipper, but untimely injuries, team combination woes, and a lot of other factors contributed to the side not qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in their history.
Now, GT will be tasked with conducting their first-ever revamp. The franchise will head into their first mega-auction after forging their squad and have some crucial decisions to make. Although there is confusion regarding the player retention rule, there is a possibility of the league potentially increasing the limit from the current four-player rule.
On that note, let us take a look at the five players GT must retain after IPL 2024.
#1 Shubman Gill
First up, the decision to retain Shubman Gill is a no-brainer. One of the original acquisitions when the franchise was forged in 2022, the opening batter has grown from strength to strength and has even evolved to take up leadership responsibilities.
Although Gill did not have the best of seasons, like his Orange Cap-winning exploits in 2023, he is the future of the franchise, someone around whom GT can conduct their first major revamp.
Apart from being retained himself, Gill will also have a huge say in the other retentions that the franchise makes ahead of the mega auction.
#2 Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan is clearly one of the best auction picks that GT have managed to pull off. The young left-handed batter has been extremely consistent. He started out with sporadic appearances, but is now among the first names on the team sheet.
The partnerships and chemistry between him and Gill this season on the pitch could lead to the duo being GT's new opening partnership from next season onwards. He switched from opening to No.3 regularly this edition and was in the Orange Cap race as well.
GT have a bulk of runs on their hands with both Gill and Sudharsan, and the duo is likely to play a key part in the franchise's long-term health in the competitive league. As a result, the decision to keep hold of Sai Sudharsan also comes across as a very easy decision.
#3 Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan had a relatively forgettable 2024 IPL season compared to his usual high standards. However, he still remains one of the hottest prospects in the shortest format, and it might prove to be a foolish decision to let go of the champion leg-spinner based on just one poor season.
Rashid Khan came into the GT side as one of their original acquisitions along with Shubman Gill. The franchise clearly and logically had a long-term plan in mind with him, and that is why the odds of him being retained and extending his association with GT are high.
He still has age on his side, and his ability needs no mention. The Afghanistan international still has it in him to lead GT's spin attack, and the franchise may prove to regret it if they choose to let him go.
#4 Noor Ahmad
Another shrewd signing that GT made in the recent past was in the form of Noor Ahmad. The left-arm wrist spinner's genuine wicket-taking ability has been a bonus for the franchise.
Even when his inclusion in the playing XI this season looked doubtful due to team combination concerns, he showed that his presence in the team bolsters the bowling unit completely. Although he did not have a consistent season, he is still quite young and could be a part of GT's future.
#5 Mohammed Shami
The right-arm pacer's age does not support the argument of potential retention, but the traits that he provides and the lack of them in the auction pool make his inclusion justified, as long as he is fit. The 2024 campaign showed exactly how much GT were reliant on Shami's new ball exploits.
The franchise tried out Azmatullah Omarzai, Sandeep Warrier, Josh Little, and Spencer Johnson, but none of them came even close to what Shami could do consistently. With Rashid, Noor, and Shami, GT have a strong bowling core that should not be tampered with.
A fully fit Shami is likely to be in GT's plans because of the obvious skill that he brings as well as the experience. The team can look to rebuild the pace bowling department around the veteran and oversee the transition smoothly in the coming years.